WHERE IS TANZANIA?
Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, on the edge of the Indian Ocean and with an area of 945087 square kilometers. It limits to the North with Kenya and Uganda, to the West with Rwanda and Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the South with Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Tanzania is made up of the Continental state of Tanzania and the islander of Zanzibar. Its name comes from the union of two words «Tanzania» and «Zanzibar».
WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN TANZANIA?
The climate of Tanzania is tropical along the coast, the annual average temperatures oscillate between 10 and 30 degrees centigrade. It has two rainy seasons and a great dry season.
A large rainy season from early March to early May, then a small one from early November to mid-December. The Great Dry season from May to October and the small season from January to March.
SUKUMA
Most numerous ethnic group in Tanzania, it means North where they are and inhabit. They had conflicts with the Masais, due to disputes with cattle, which made them enemies. Majority religion Christianity and then Islamism.
SWAHILI
Second ethnic group with the most presence in Tanzania. Of Arab origin, it means inhabitants of the Coast. Of Muslim religion.
GOGO
Third largest ethnic group. They have traditionally been grazing. Christianity is the majority religion followed by Islam.
HAYA
Fourth largest ethnic group. They are credited with the invention of steel. Of Christian religion.
GHAGA
Ethnic group best known for its proximity to tourists who trek to Kilimanjaro.
HADZABE
They are found in Lake Eyasi. Minority group of ancestral customs such as Hunting and Gathering, possibility of hunting with them if you visit the place.
DATA
Of Nilotic origin, a name that means «fierce enemy», they are great enemies of the Masai people.
MASAI
Of Nilotic origin, a nomadic people who live by herding. Fearful and respected for their reputation as warriors. They maintain their traditional religion.
FLORA
Tanzania is Nature in its purest form. Both the fauna and the flora are very rich. Among its flora we must highlight the lush jungle around Lake Victoria, the shrub savanna of the North, the grove of the South or the bushes of the Center of the Country. To highlight the miombo (humid forest), forest habitat.
FAUNA
The Fauna is one of the greatest attractions of the Country. In the National Parks we find the greatest variety of fauna in Tanzania, including:
- Big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah
- Little cats: Caracal, Serval and the bobcat
- Terrestrial primates: Chimpanzee, Olive baboon, Green ginger
- Arboreal primates: Warrior Colobus, Blue Cercopiteco, Garnet’s Gálago de Garnet.
- Ruminant mammals: Greater Kudu, Wildebeest, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cafre Buffalo, Gerenuc, Aquatic Antelope
- Hoofed Mammals: Giraffe, African Elephant, Common Zebra, Black Rhinoceros, Hippos and Phacoceros
- Carnivores: Spotted Hyena, Lycaon, Striped Mongoose, Ratel and Golden Jackal
- Birds: In Tanzania there are almost 100 species of hawks, eagles, vultures and divers, including raptors and 1100 other species of birds.
DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER TANZANIA?
Required to enter Tanzania. It can be obtained upon arrival in the country, at the airport or at the land border.
Fees:
Ordinary or tourist visa valid for up to 90 days; 50 euros
Requirements for entry to the Country; Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry to the country of destination.
WHAT TYPE OF CURRENCY IS USED IN TANZANIA?
The local currency is the Shillong. It is best to bring US dollars, although they also accept Euros. It is recommended to bring money in small bills for the Change. Credit cards are accepted in some lodges and Tented Camps.
DO I HAVE TO GET VACCINATIONS TO GO TO TANZANIA?
It is recommended before the trip to make an appointment at your International Vaccination Center for Foreign Health. There they will give you the appropriate Recommendations for your health trip.
Your doctor may recommend:
1. Yellow Fever; If you enter Tanzania from Europe, they will not require a vaccination certificate. If you arrive in Tanzania from an area infected with yellow fever then they will demand it.
2. Typhus vaccine
3. Tetanus vaccine
4. Hepatitis A and B vaccine
5. Antimalarial treatment to prevent malaria; The best prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. For this, it is recommended that you carry Insect Repellent that contains DEET in a proportion of 50% and apply it every six hours. Long-sleeved clothing, cotton legs and socks are recommended. There is no vaccine for Malaria, the treatment is preventive chemoprophylaxis, your doctor will prescribe the one he considers appropriate and explain how to take it.
It is recommended to bring a first-aid kit with analgesics, anti-inflammatories, gastric protector, antidiarrheals type fortasec, oral rehydration serum, anti-inflammatory ointment type Gelidin and antiallergic and antihistamines in case of bites, some broad spectrum antibiotic such as Ciprofloxacin to Amoxicillin with clavulanic in case of clavulanic allergic to diarrhea or infectious pictures, antacids and antiseptics such as Betadine, gauze, plasters and bandages in case of wounds.
If you take medication as part of your regular treatment, do not forget it and carry a Medical Certificate with you stating that it is necessary for you to take such medication. Certificate that you can get in tobacconists and your Primary Care doctor will fill it out.
It is recommended that you travel with a Medical Insurance with coverage, if you wish I collaborate with Moisés Martín “Ágora Broker” with very reasonable budgets. For more information on guarantees and conditions of the policy, request information or call the Commercial department of Ágora Broker; 659921024
IS THERE DRINKING WATER IN TANZANIA?
You can only drink bottled water, be sure to open the bottle yourself. You even have to brush your teeth with bottled water. Bottled water is available in the safari vehicle. In most hotels they will put bottled water in the rooms and in the toilet. Do not eat unpeeled fruits or raw vegetables. Bottled water is used to cook in the lodgings, making it safe. The problem is street markets or shopping in local markets. Make sure that the ice cubes are made of purified water as before, most accommodations have them with bottled water.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY IN TANZANIA?
The current is generally 240 V and 50 Hz. An adapter is required for charging mobile phones, camera and video batteries, etc. Adapter to be purchased in specialized electrical stores.
HOW MUCH TIME DIFFERENCE IS THERE FROM SPAIN?
Standard time; UTC / 6 MT + 3 hours
One more hour on Spanish time
CAN YOU GO SHOPPING IN TANZANIA?
I’ll take you if you want to shop at local craft stores where haggling is common. You can also make purchases at the accommodation stores where your credit card will be accepted.
IS IT MANDATORY TO TIP IN TANZANIA?
In Africa, tips are a common act, a symbol of gratitude, they are given in Dollars or Euros. You decide if you want to give them or not.
IS THERE AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE?
Request for firefighter, ambulance or police; 999 the call is free
HOW DO I HAVE TO DO TO CALL FROM TANZANIA?
To call from Tanzania to Spain; dial 00 + 34 + phone number
Area code of Tanzania; +255
International calls; dial 0 before the city code
Internet; In most of the Lodges there is free Wi-Fi, ask for the password.
ARE SAFARIS IN TANZANIA SAFE?
In general, Tanzania is a safe country, with people who will do everything possible to make your stay pleasant, it is important that you follow the guide’s recommendations on safety when making the safari. Always have your most valuable belongings, money and your passport close at hand. Do not forget to leave anything of value in the accommodations and do not wear large jewelry.